CANBERRA: A “devastating terrorist incident” at Bondi Beach, Sydney, on Sunday has left at least 12 people dead, including one shooter, and injured 29 others, including two police officers.
The attack, which occurred during a Hanukkah celebration, has been officially classified as a terrorist act, according to South Wales (NSW) Police and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).
Shooter Identified and Apprehended
One of the alleged shooters involved in the attack has been identified as Naveed Akram, citing a senior law enforcement official. Local media reports indicate that police are currently carrying out a raid at Akram’s home in Sydney’s Bonnyrigg.
A second gunman was also injured in the shooting and has been taken into custody. Authorities have stated there is no longer an active threat to the public, though residents were advised to avoid the affected areas.
Anti-Semitism and National Response
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese convened a national security meeting following the incident, calling it a “devastating terrorist incident.”
“This afternoon there has been a devastating terrorist incident at Bondi at the Hanukkah by the Sea celebration. This is a targeted attack on Jewish Australians on the first day of Hanukkah which should be a day of joy, a celebration of faith. An act of evil anti-Semitism, terrorism that has struck the heart of our nation,” Albanese said. “An attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on every Australian, and every Australian tonight will be, like me, devastated on this attack…”
NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon suggested that one of the shooters was familiar to authorities, but the person “we know has very, very little knowledge to the police.”
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